Want to keep your Palm OS running smoothly? Try these tips

Palm's goal has been to bring desktop computing to the wireless world. Unfortunately, that also means you have to deal with some of the snafus of the desktop: outdated software, viruses, and the like. Thankfully, Wendy has some pointers to keep your Palm in tip-top shape.

I've been known to preach until I'm practically blue in the face about updating your desktop's software. After all, we never know when viruses are going to strike, so it's very important to update your antivirus signature files frequently in order to keep the bad guys away. To keep your system running smoothly, you should patch your apps on a regular basis, or else you'll be forced to deal with nasty pitfalls and bugs.

Yet, for some reason or another, I've never talked about software for your handheld. Here the same rules apply: You must update, update, update! If your handheld uses the Palm OS, I've got a few things just for you.

What version is my Palm OS?
Before you try to update your Palm OS, you need to find out which version you're already running! Have a look at this quick tip to get the information you need.

Updating your software
Now that you know which version you're running, should you update your Palm OS? Find out what the latest Palm and Handspring updates have in store for you.

Protect your Palm from viruses
Think your handheld is immune to viruses? Think again. Just because your system sits in your hand doesn't mean it's free from all desktop evils. Even Trojan horses have made their way onto the Palm OS. Follow these basic steps to safeguard your handheld device's data from malicious code.

By the way, if you're in the mood to try out new software, head over to ZDNet Asia Downloads, where you can find the best free software for your Palm, as well as OS updates, games, productivity tools, and more!

Have you been keeping your Palm OS updated and protected? TalkBack to me.

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